Monday 11
14 events
Eggs Aren't That Easy to Make
“If I’m in a lesbian relationship when I’m older, I want you to be the sperm donor”, Claire says to her best friend, Dan, while drunk at a uni party. “Okay, it’s a deal”. Flash forward ten years and the two friends are making good on their promise. Having your best friend be your sperm donor - what could go wrong? Big Sofa Theatre presents a queer rom-com, written by Maria Telnikoff (Previously at Underbelly: “My Dad Wears A Dress”, “All The Men Are Going To Hate Me”), directed by Lauren Tranter.
Cecilia Gentili's Red Ink
God won't give up on Cecilia Gentili. Unfortunately, neither will the devil. Follow a young trans girl as she navigates the hilarity of rural Argentina during the 1900s. Part stand-up, part camp and (almost) all true, Red Ink is an irreverent romp in searching for faith while trans. Presented by Elliot Page and PAGEBOY Productions, Sara Ramirez, Breaking the Binary Theatre, Queer Arts Coalition and Nic Cory, Red Ink is the late writer, activist and icon Cecilia Gentili's autobiographical work. The play's off-Broadway 2024 premiere received a Special Recognition GLAAD Media Award.
ALTAR
Today is Sutton's wedding day. Dana has been invited, but Dan will be in attendance. Dan who was once Dana. Beloved by audiences and critics alike, ALTAR is a tender and fervent exploration of growing up and into queerness, or away from it. Em Tambree's striking debut has been described by critics as 'a rallying cry' (RyanHamilton.work), and 'a play that necessitates the existence of theatre itself' (PraiseDionysus, podcast). The sold-out Australian premiere was featured for Best Theatre of 2024 (Keith Gow) and 2024 Playwright to Watch (Guy Webster). ALTAR was commissioned by Midsumma Festival and developed with the generous support of Abbotsford Convent. Say "I do" & RSVP to ALTAR's international premiere this summer at Underbelly.
David and Katie Get Re-Married
You’re cordially invited to the second wedding of David and Katie: confidently codependent, deliriously devoted to a dangerous degree and fully qualified to flaunt a flawless approach to marriage; with music, exotic rituals and, a unity volcano. Bear witness as the world’s worst couple celebrates the (second) happiest day of their lives. Starring David Carl (Trump Lear, The Tender Bar) and Katie Hartman (Netflix’s The Week Of, The Other Two), David and Katie Get Re-Married is a glorious celebration of love, dysfunction and doing it all over again. This time it’s forever. For realz! Probably?!?
Space Hippo
Earth is dying. Nothing can be done. Our only hope is to launch a hippo into space. Along the way she will encounter new worlds, strange alien creatures and end up at the centre of an intergalactic war. Hilarious, weird and epic science fiction from Japan, experienced through award-winning cinematic shadow puppetry. The performers project over two hundred handmade puppets onto a large screen to create a live analogue motion picture before your very eyes.
WANTED
Two girls from opposite worlds are fated to meet on the late 00’s queer scene. After quickly forming an inseparable bond over their mutual idols, Tony Soprano and Lindsay Lohan, Erica and Jessie are on a mission to avenge a world that's only ever left them wanting. And why the hell shouldn’t they? Life’s screwed them, it’s time to screw life right back. Their code? Steal from the rich and give to the poor (that’s them by the way). But just because Tony Soprano gets to do what he likes... can Erica and Jessie really rationalise their actions? From the creator behind the Fringe sensation, In PurSUEt, comes the hotly anticipated second show.... WANTED.
Don't Tell Dad About Diana
Dublin, 1997. Two friends prepare to compete for the crown of Alternative Miss Ireland with their Princess Diana drag act, under the nose of their hardline nationalist families. As they race through the city towards competition night, Diana's death sparks the unravelling of their secret, their friendship and their plans to leave Ireland. A high-energy, fast-paced two-hander packed with comedy, courage and coming-of-age chaos. After a sell-out London run, Don't Tell Dad About Diana promises to be one of the must-see debuts of the festival.
CADEL: Lungs on Legs
The epic true story of the first Australian to win the Tour de France, live on stage. Performed entirely on a bike in an epic theatrical feat of endurance by acclaimed Australian actor Connor Delves. Pedalling non-stop for an hour, he recreates the thrilling journey of Cadel's 2011 Tour de France win, and all the triumphs, heartaches and sacrifices made along the way. “Connor's vision for this show is bold and exciting, and I'm thrilled to be involved from the start. He’ll be riding a BMC, just like I did (and do!), wearing the same yellow jersey I wore, and actually riding on stage every night... how cool is that? I love cycling, and I'm deeply honored that an Australian artist has been inspired to bring my story to life for audiences worldwide. I hope you enjoy CADEL, and I encourage you to support Connor and his creative journey in giving the show a long life. See you there!”– Cadel Evans
The Horniest Girls in New York City
It is 1984. Tess and Riley have let the world bend them over a table for all of their lives. A series of unfortunate events sends the girls spiralling straight to rock bottom, forcing them face to face with reality for the first time in their lives. From deep in the pits of being in terrible, terrible debt to the tax man, a stroke of grace leads them to the office of Rabbi Adelstein, a wise Bostonian lesbian, who asks the girls to consider whether they’d like to remain asleep at the wheel. No, say the girls. We’d like to fuck the world back. Thus begins their journey to rally the gay, horny youths to take over New York City, so they can save the world. This is the story of the Horniest Girls in New York City, and their quest for world domination. THGINYC.com
Neil Frost: The Door
It's 1985. I'm dressed as Peter Pan. All I have to worry about is remembering my Nan's landline number. Award-winning performer Neil Frost brings old photos taken in front of his Nan's kitchen door to life, unravelling the stories behind them with masterful silliness. A nostalgic, poignant comedy about living with your grandparents in 80's Britain, childhood dreams and the power of fancy dress. Direction – Lucy Hopkins and Dan Lees. Producing consultants – The Project People.
Going Soft
Bar-L is Glasgow's hottest attraction – an immersive prison themed bar. With business thriving, co-owners Martin and James are expanding into an adult-only soft play. They've got the vision and, hopefully, the backing of a potential investor. But as the meeting unfolds, tensions rise and the cracks in their partnership begin to show. Can their friendship survive the business world, or will their dream collapse like a poorly built ball pit? Fast-paced and razor sharp, Jack Byrne's solo-writing debut sheds light on toxic masculinity in working class Glasgow with both humour and heart.
KINDER
An unexpected call from a library derails a performance planned by newly arrived drag artist Goody Prostate, booked to headline a local reading hour. Forced to scramble together a new act in real time for a crowd of unruly children and their parents, Goody spirals into a chaotic exploration of childhood, memory, stories and what it means to truly grow up. The library is open – sit down, be quiet and listen. Because sometimes, reading is what? Fundamentalist.
Karen Houge: DREAMGIRL
Do you trust strangers? Together with Karen Houge – our DREAMGIRL – we’re going to find out. Through personal stories from following Syrian refugees across Europe, a few vegetables and a pile of LEGO, Karen invites us to explore what it means to trust – especially now, when it matters most. This isn’t just a show – it’s a conversation about humanity and the world we live in. Thanks to award-winning comedian Elf Lyons for helping develop the show.
SHUNGA ALERT
Warning: adults only! An X-rated documentary-comedy about the sexual culture of Japan. The story of an artist, a sex doll and a virtual idol trying to create the sexiest shunga of all time, told with clowning, puppetry and live projection. Learn everything you wanted to know about sex in Japan but were too afraid to Google. Filthy, offensive and visually stunning! Don't say we didn't warn you! Winner of Best of the Fest at the San Diego Fringe Festival.